Help sander won't track right

[Smitty]

First, let me say that I just got a Jet 1 hp. grinder from John at True Grit. It's great!!!!!!!!

Now to my problem: I have been using a 2"x42" Sears grinder with a vertical platen for the last several years. I like doing the initial grind on a vertical platen. A couple of weeks ago the tracking went south on the Sears machine. I have taken the idler wheel apart a couple of times and reset everything. The belt tracks just fine until I apply the blade to the platten or move the tracking lever to make a minor belt adjustment. Then the belt goes flying halfway across the idler and starts grinding the work table sideways. Is there a simple fix for this or should I take the grinder to Sears and have them do a fix I can't really afford. I like the Sears because it's the machine I learned to do the plunge cut with and I don't really want to do that learning curve over again. Thanks for any help or advise.
Smitty

[Don Robinson]

Try making a couple of wraps of sturdy tape around the center of the drive wheel.

That will give the wheel a "crown" and help keep the belt from slipping sideways.

[Jim Charles]

Sears isn't going to be of any help, but I have one in the shop and I'll take a look in the morning and see if I can help you on this.

[Smitty]

Thanks guys. I'll try the tape on the drive wheel. Got a feeling that might do the trick.